Bar Island Hike – Acadia National Park, Maine

Bar Island Hike – Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Maine Distance: A little under 2 miles total Type: Out and back Difficulty: 3 of 10. – Most difficult part is keeping track of the tide. You WILL be stuck if the tide rushes in!

Terrain – sand bar and rocky forested island terrain

Trailheads – 44° 17.984’N, 68° 18.977’W

Directions – drive to Maine, trail is at the end of Bridge Street in Bar Harbor. Be careful parking, your car might be underwater when you get back!!!

End of Bridge Street.

Parking – in town or at the edge of the bar (but not on the bar)

Seriously.

Markings – Follow bar, the follow wooden signs

Description – THE most popular hike in Acadia National Park, but go for it anyway. You start by checking the tide chart, you don’t want to go at high tide, or else there won’t be a trail to walk on (without scuba gear).

Head to Bridge Street, and walk out onto the bar. The bar (which is underwater part of the day) is a fun stretch of rocks and sand. Look for sea creatures, or just enjoy the breezes.

View from the end of Bridge Street.

Headed out onto the bar, past this nice restaurant that I can’t afford to eat at.

The bar is way wider than you’d think.

The top of that hill is where we’re headed.

This is awesome.

Toward the mainland, a great view of Cadillac Mountain. Also: a dog.

Finally, you’ll hit Bar Island. It’s a 0.2 mile (one way) walk to the viewpoint. Go for it, how often are you in Maine?

We made it!

View of the bar from the island.

After a climb, a view!

People on Cadiallac Mountain admiring the view of us.

Back off of the mountain, just take it all in. This is what Acadia National Park is all about.

Cadillac in the distance.

Sadly, we must return to civilization.

Nearby: The lovely tourist trap town of Bar Harbor. I recommend buying a carved wooden sailor and getting some ice cream.

The Good

Amazing views of Mt. Desert Island and the harbor.

The Could Be Better

Watch your timing, or you'll get an extra tide cycle of time on the island.

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Rating

9.0

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Bottom Line

If you are looking for solitude, this is not where to find it, but this is the most popular hike in Acadia for a reason.